Monday April 5th, Dr. Ski was interviewed on The Hagir Show by host/activist/CEO/author Hagir Elsheikh and co-host Heather MacDonald. Both Hagir and Heather are graduates & supporters of HACC who can personally attest to the incredible impact that HACC and Dr. Ski has had on their lives. During the interview, Ski gave some background on his personal journey, how he came to be President of HACC, and how HACC has adapted to the challenges presented by Covid. Several people of importance submitted testimonial videos attesting to their personal connection to Ski and how he has changed their lives for the better. The interview can be viewed on The Hagir Show Facebook page.
Event Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Event Location: Virtual Event via Zoom
Event Times: 11:00am - 1:00pm and 4:00pm - 7:00pm
50 Nonprofit Organizations in Search of Volunteers
The Leadership Harrisburg Area Virtual Volunteer Fair allows area residents an opportunity to browse booths of nonprofit organizations in one virtual space. Local organizations are invited to attend this fair in order to raise public awareness of your nonprofit and mission. The volunteer fair provides all potential volunteers an opportunity to explore the various nonprofits in our region and connect with those in which they are most interested.
We are excited to be your guides as we set out exploring new opportunities together. Our path will take us into a world of leadership, learning, fellowship and fun! All from the comfort of your own home!
This exciting adventure will also include the opportunity to join with fellow Rotarians safely in service throughout the three districts!
The meeting began at 12:03 p.m. with 54 individuals in attendance.
President James Good welcomed Rotarians and asked everyone in attendance to type their names in the chat. After a thoughtful welcome, Mr. Good invited Vladimir Beaufils, a proud HACC graduate, to provide an invocation of healing and guidance. Norma Swaine was unable to play piano and sing with us today so she invited John Legend to greet us with the song ‘Lean on Me’. Afterwards we pledged our allegiance to the United State of America and recited the Rotary four-way test. Mr. Good thanked our corporate sponsors.
President Good then:
Informed us that today’s lunch money was going to be donated to the Latino Hispanic American Community Center
Requested one male volunteer for tonight’s shelter event
Informed us that Rotarians packed 583 food boxes last week. Overall, Rotarians have packed over 1,900 boxes since we started this project with the Central PA Food Bank. Additional opportunities to pack boxes and exceed a goal of 2,000 packed boxes will occur on April 7, 17 and June 21. If interested in packing, please click on the link in the next Rotary Round Up
He then graciously introduced District Governor, John Anthony, who enthusiastically invited all of us to participate in this year’s virtual Rotary District Conference in April. Governor Anthony provided us with a sneak preview to some of the activities and events that will be enjoyed by attendees including breakout sessions, networking opportunities, fellowship and a gala, to name a few of the enticing activities being planned! To learn more and register for $25, we were directed to the website: www.discon2021.com. If participants sign up before April 1, they will receive a coveted Rotary t-shirt.
President Good then introduced Andy Hentrick as part of this week’s ‘Meet the Board Member’ series. Addeline, creative as ever, queued up a rendition of a financial rap song welcoming Andy to the virtual lectern! Andy provided us with an overview of his career and the twists and turns he took professionally before joining the financial industry over a dozen years ago, after taking a class at HACC! Married for 28 years with two adult children, Andy serves on several community boards and joined Rotary 14 years ago. He has found the Club and its members to be service oriented and enjoyable.
President Good then introduced Ski who proudly and humbly introduced Hagir Elsheikh, a former Sudanese refugee, single mother, college alumna from four institutions of higher learning, nurse, successful entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, human rights activist and community volunteer – to include being a Trustee at HACC – to share her personal journey of traveling from Sudan to the United States.
Even though we were only able to listen to part of her powerful story for 35 minutes, the attendees expressed in the chat feature that they were humbled, saddened and, mostly, inspired by her struggles, torture, redemption, hope and achievement – in spite of horrific experiences she lived along the way. Her storytelling abilities provided Rotarians a glimpse into the hard life of a refugee and social activist in a country that did not support women to her arrival in America and her journey of learning English to gaining an education (at HACC and two other colleges) to raising three children to becoming a community activist to founding a non-profit foundation. Needless to say, we hope she will return to finish telling us about her incredible journey. Her closing remarks were only one snippet of wisdom many of us walked away with: “Use your voice for a purpose. Be intent in everything you do to ensure you make a difference by helping others.” Sounds like she would make an excellent Rotarian!
President Good kindly and empathetically thanked Hagir for her words, informed us that there is no meeting next week and encouraged us to send a ‘gratitude note’ or two to a fellow Rotarian for being part of the Club. He concluded the meeting at 1:05 p.m.
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